The French government has decided to confer the Legion of Honour on ace Bengali actor Soumitra Chatterjee for his outstanding contribution to film and theatre.

Legion of Honour is the highest civilian and military award in French. Soumitra Chatterjee will become the 33rd Indian and second Bengali after Satyajit Ray to be awarded with this honour.

“There must be something in my work that is being appreciated outside the country. As a Bengali, I feel proud of this achievement,” said Mr. Chatterjee reacting to the news. Mamata Banerjee, Chief Minister of West Bengal, congratulates him upon hearing the news. “From Apu Sansar to Legion d Honour. The legendary Shri Soumitra Chattopadhay, hallmark of Indian and Bengali cinema. A tribute and honour to the great actor of Bengali cinema by France. This makes us very proud. Congratulations,” she tweeted.